The Golden State Valkyries started a big road trip on Sunday with a visit to the Connecticut Sun. The quick turnaround was tough, even against the team in last place and the Valkyries fell behind early. Their efforts to fight back against the team in last place did not get them any closer in the second quarter and they ended up losing 95-64, their worst margin this season by far. A tough start to the road trip means that they will need to be sharper in the remaining games to avoid a disastrous slump during the hunt for the playoffs.
The Lineup
Golden State started the game with the same starting lineup again as Veronica Burton, Tiffany Hayes, Cecilia Zandalasini, Janelle Salaun, and Temi Fagbenle were trying to build on the last game. Iliana Rupert and Carla Leite were the first frontcourt and backcourt subs while Laeticia Amihere also made an early appearance. While Monique Billings and Kayla Thornton were out, all of the other players on both teams were able to play.
First Quarter
There was a delay in the first minute of the game as the referees officiated an early Connecticut turnover. When the Valkyries finally got a chance to take a shot, Janelle Salaun opened the scoring, but Saniya Rivers answered with a three-pointer for the Sun. Connecticut kept their lead as turnovers hurt the ability for Golden State to get chances to score. Janelle Salaun and Iliana Rupert each hit three-pointers to trim the margin, but Bria Hartley had seven points late in the quarter to help build up the lead. Tiffany Hayes hit three free throws in the last minute, but the Valkyries still trailed 23-15 at the end of the quarter.
Second Quarter
Any hopes that Golden State would quickly recover in this quarter went out the window early when Connecticut opened on their second 9-0 run behind Tina Charles and Jacy Sheldon. Temi Fagbenle finally got the Valkyries on the board with a three-pointer after nearly four scoreless minutes to start a 9-0 response. Kate Martin hit her second three-pointer after not playing in the last game to trim the deficit to nine points for a second time, but the Sun ended the half with a 9-2 run for a 49-33 lead at the break.
Third Quarter
The second half started no better for Golden State when Connecticut scored the first nine points of this quarter too with Tina Charles leading the way again. Iliana Rupert returned to the floor early and scored two baskets around a Kate Martin three-pointer to finally get the Valkyries on the board. There was just no stopping the Sun though as they scored on their final five possessions for a 12-2 run that gave them an overwhelming 75-49 lead heading into the final period.
Fourth Quarter
With the margin showing no signs of changing early, the Valkyries played their bench unit for nearly the entire quarter after Cecilia Zandalasini played the first two minutes. While there were continued issues with turnovers and stopping Connecticut at all, there were a few individual bright spots as well. Golden State ended up getting outscored in this frame too and the Sun finished a 95-64 win.
The Verdict
While there were hopes that the momentum from the last game could carry over to the start of a road trip, this was always going to be a tough game against a team trying desperately to get a win. The short turnaround and early start left the Valkyries coming out of the gates slowly and they could never get into a groove, not being able to lean on their defense. The uncompetitive margin meant that players got some rest before a trip to Atlanta for a game on Tuesday.
Player of the Game
There were some good moments in a game that was mostly filled with struggles and this award will go to Iliana Rupert this time. While there have been times where she is clearly gearing back up to full intensity and learning the Valkyries system, it is also clear that she offers a dimension to the team that is different than all of their other post options. Her offense from all over the court will continue to be a big help as she led the team in scoring in this game while she will offer additional defense against some of the stronger post players around the league.
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